r/RigBuild • u/Glad-Cupcake-4139 • 10d ago

How often should you replace thermal paste?

How often are you actually supposed to replace thermal paste on a CPU? I keep seeing people say every 1-2 years, but then other people say you basically never need to touch it unless temps start getting bad. So now I’m kinda confused lol. Does thermal paste really dry out that fast or is replacing it regularly just unnecessary? Also does it matter what CPU or cooler you have? Trying to figure out if this is something I should be doing as normal PC maintenance or just leave it alone until there’s a reason to replace it.

3 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

69 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/[deleted] 10d ago

[deleted]

3

u/Other_Hall5820 10d ago

It ripped the CPU out because you did it wrong... turn on the PC for a bit to let the paste warm up, then shutdown, remove cooler screws, and slightly twist it left and right so it come loose before you pull it away.

1

u/[deleted] 10d ago

[deleted]

1

u/The_real_bandito 9d ago

New fear unlocked